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NORTH POLE EXPEDITION ABOARD THE VICTORY
Departures 23rd July, 4th August 2011
The North Pole is perhaps the most amazing location on our entire planet. There are no “four corners of the World” here: South is all around you and any wind is southern. Above the “Top of the World,” stars never rise or set: instead they move around you with the Earth’s rotation. The Polar Star, the beacon of all travelers in the Northern Hemisphere, is invariably in its zenith.
On the way to the Pole we will encounter walruses, seals, and rookeries that harbor Arctic sea birds by the thousands. Polar bears might get curious enough to approach the icebreaker to obtain a closer view. Sometimes they rise onto their rear paws, coming very close to the ship.
Day 1 - Welcome to Helsinki, Finland’s cozy capital
- Arrive at Helsinki international airport and transfer to the hotel –Polar representatives meet you at the lobby of the hotel.
Day 2 - Helsinki – Murmansk
- After a short Helsinki city tour we fly to Murmansk (duration of the flight is about two hours). From the "Murmashi" airport, transfer by comfortable buses the icebreaker "50 Years of Victory," one of the most powerful ships in the world. We sail late in the evening, leaving the city port via the Kola Bay.
Day 3 - Barents
- Sea Heading North, you will have time to rest and explore the "50 Years of Victory." In the company of the captain, you will be introduced to the ship and the sophisticated technical equipment in the engine room, as well as to the basic principles of ice navigation and the navigator's job. You will also learn about helicopter operations, and how to use safety equipment and lifeboats. The lifeboat drill is obligatory for every passenger.
Days 4 – 6. Towards the North Pole
- In our case, it’s hard to say what is more exciting: this very special victorious feeling when the goal is achieved or actually the process of reaching the goal! The experience of being on the open decks of the 75,000 horsepower "50 Years of Victory" battling her way through the hard Arctic pack ice is one of the most memorable. So are the views of enormous Arctic ice fields!
- Activities that might be undertaken on the way to the North Pole:
- helicopter flights over the icebreaker while she is going through the ice
- walking on the ice field – if time, ice and weather factors seem suitable to the Expedition Leader
- The lecturers of our experienced Expedition Team these days will you a lot about the types of ice, the Arctic wildlife, history of the Arctic exploration, and much more…
Day 7 - The North Pole
- Today we expect to reach the North Pole. This time of year the weather is usually mild, with air temperatures of 0 - 1° C (32 - 34° F). The Captain slowly maneuvers the huge ship to position her exactly onto the Geographical North Pole – this does require superior navigation skills! After some time, the GPS on the bridge will show “90° N”!
- The celebration that started on the bridge will continue during North Pole barbecue – as soon as suitable pack-ice is found. Now you know what it is like: standing on the top of the world. The most daring can take a plunge into the Arctic Ocean. You can literally have a round-the-world walk in our International round dance.
Days 8 – 11 - Islands and Archipelagos of the Russian Arctic
- On our return from the Pole we plan to explore the Franz Josef Land archipelago. If ice and weather conditions are favorable, there should be sufficient time to land at the Northern Tip of Novaya Zemlya; and, maybe, Kolguev Island. Franz Josef Land Archipelago in brief:
- Home place to Polar Bears, walrus, and plenty of the Arctic birds
- Consists of about 190 islands, most of which will remind you of Moon craters, and therefore, is sometimes called “Moon Archipelago”
- Famous for its “mysterious” round boulders found only on one island of the archipelago (Champ Island)
- Offers excellent exploration and photographic opportunities due to its vivid landscape and large number of historical sites
- 2009 represents 80 years since the first Polar Station on Franz Josef Land was launched. This polar station is located in Tikhaya Bay. We’ll do our best to have something special for this occasion!
- At the northern tip of Novaya Zemlya we plan to visit Inostrantseva Bay. Photographers will appreciate the view!
- Kolguev Island:the Nenets reindeer herders live here is a unique area in terms of wetlands and breeding ground for migratory birds, including several species of geese that migrate to Western Europe in winter unlike other Arctic islands, there are no lemmings is of interest to several International Arctic research projects, one of which is ECORA
Days 12 – 14 - Barents Sea
- You will have time to share your experience and emotions with your companions and the Expedition team, and to comprehend that now you belong to a select group of people who have conquered the North Pole.
- After disembarkation in the port of Murmansk, we will fly to Helsinki to spend one more evening in the capital of Finland.
Day 15
- Day to allow for over run of trip and to enjoy Helsinki. Please note there is a second day included in case the return is delayed.
Day16 - Helsinki
- After breakfast, transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
- From approx £14,400 including Murmansk Charter (subject to exchange rates)
Suites onboard available on request, please ask for prices.
Please note: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to
weather and ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter.
